Weird grocery tricks for saving money

Stretch Your Grocery Budget: How I Turn Meal Prep Into a Money-Saving Game

It’s so tempting to eat out once or twice a week. After all, we’re young, busy, and there are endless great options just waiting—on campus, downtown, everywhere. The problem? “Once or twice a week” usually turns into three, four, or even five times. Trust me, it’s a slippery slope, and I’ve definitely been there.

And here’s the kicker: eating out doesn’t have to mean sitting down for a full, fancy dinner. Even grabbing a pre-made sandwich at the Starbucks bodega next to my office racks up fast. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spends over $3,500 a year eating out. That’s a lot of cash for food that’s often less healthy and less satisfying than what we can make ourselves.

So how do we stay motivated to cook at home without feeling deprived? I’ve learned that the trick is making it rewarding—both financially and psychologically.

Tip 1: Treat Grocery Shopping Like Paying a Utility

Here’s the mindset shift that changed everything for me: I treat my grocery bill like a utility bill. Food is non-negotiable, like water or electricity. Sure, it’s a flexible expense—you can splurge or cut back—but at the end of the day, we have to eat. So, I stop thinking of my grocery bill as a burden and think of it as a baseline cost of living.

Here’s where it gets fun. Every time I cook a meal at home—or even snack on something I forgot I had—I do a little math. Let’s say I whip up a dinner that costs $10 in ingredients. If that same meal would’ve cost me $30 at a restaurant, I mentally count the $20 difference as a refund on my grocery bill. Who doesn’t love refunds? This simple mindset keeps me hooked on the game of “how much can I save today?”

And if you’re from the Midwest (like me), that $20 saved might represent nearly an hour of work at a part-time job. Honestly, I’d rather keep my cash and my time.

Tip 2: Make Expiration Dates Your Friend

One of the fastest ways to lose money is letting groceries go bad. I’ve been guilty of buying chicken or veggies with the best intentions, only to find them a week later looking sad and inedible. A little extra attention here goes a long way.

My rule: if I’m buying meat, I freeze anything I’m not using within two days. The USDA says most fresh meat is safe in the fridge for just 1–2 days, so planning ahead avoids last-minute panic and waste.

I also make a point to organize my fridge by expiration date. New stuff goes in the back, older stuff up front. It’s a tiny habit that makes a big difference.

Tip 3: Put Produce in the Door of the Fridge

This one might sound weird, but hear me out. Traditional wisdom tells us the fridge door is too warm for things like milk or eggs. But for produce? It’s genius.

I started putting fruits and veggies I want to eat ASAP—like bell peppers, berries, and spinach—right in the fridge door. Every time I open the fridge, bam, they’re right in my face. Visibility is everything.

And let’s be real: if I forget I have carrots, they’re going to die a slow, sad death in the crisper. This trick keeps things moving.

(Special shout-out to my boyfriend, who implemented this idea in the house!)

Tip 4: Have a Go-To “Lazy Meal”

We all have nights where cooking feels impossible. That’s usually when takeout sneaks in and wrecks my budget. My solution? I always keep ingredients for one or two super easy “lazy meals” on hand.

For me, it’s pasta with jarred sauce. No chopping, no fuss. I can make it in 10 minutes (or, more accurately: my boyfriend can make it), and it hits the spot every time.

Tip 5: Reward Yourself (On Purpose)

Saving money is awesome, but we’re human—we need rewards! Instead of falling into the trap of “I saved money by eating in, so now I’ll splurge,” I set small, non-food rewards. Maybe it’s a new plant, a book, or a $5 coffee planned in advance. That way, I’m still treating myself without undoing my progress.

Tip 6: Go on Grocery Dates

You don't need to have a significant other to do this one, you can just go shopping with friends, a close coworker, or family, but make it an event!

If you're like me, just getting out to the store is a chore. But, if I'm doing it with a person that I love, who doubles as an accountability partner, I can look forward to grocery shopping. It's also a good time to practice meaningful communication about budgeting.

In the end, keeping my food budget in check is all about little habits that build up over time. By making grocery shopping part of my “must-pay” bills, keeping my food visible and organized, and having backup plans for lazy nights, I’ve not only saved money but also saved myself from the stress of last-minute spending.

And the best part? No more circling for parking while my stomach growls. Now that’s a win.